How Do I Get Rid of These Horseflies?

If you’ve ever had an encounter with a horsefly, you know they are annoying. If you’ve ever been bitten by one, you know it hurts!

These insects are persistent because their existence depends on it. Most horse flies need a blood meal to successfully reproduce. Most species feed on mammals such as horses, cattle, dogs, and even people.

How can you keep these pesky critters from spoiling your outdoor summer fun? The answer probably isn’t what you want to hear. 

Because their breeding sites are large and widespread, chemical controls are not very effective in reducing adult populations. Horseflies lay their eggs near water and swampy areas. As a result, mature flies can be found in high numbers in wooded, wetland, and damp areas. Once the eggs hatch, larvae drop or crawl into water or mud where they grow into adults.

Depending on the species, larvae take from one month to more than a year to develop. Mature larvae become adults in one to four weeks.

Adult horseflies range in size from three-fourths of an inch to an inch or more in length. Many species are yellowish with large green eyes and are called green heads or yellow flies. Some other species have grayish-brown bodies with very large eyes and clear wings.

Insect repellants on their own provide some relief but are not 100 percent effective. For the most effective protection from their bites, wear light-colored, long-sleeve shirts and long pants in combination with repellants that contain DEET, picaridin, citronella, geraniol, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Unfortunately, there is no scientifically backed method that can adequately reduce the number of horseflies in an area. The good news is June is behind us. Generally, horseflies are the worst in June. They begin to diminish later in the summer.

Still, it’s best to keep your flyswatter handy!